Another Successful Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show for HMY Yachts
With the 59th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show officially wrapped, HMY Yacht Sales is pleased to report yet another successful show. 2018’s Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show marks HMY’s 38th appearance at FLIBS, and as one of the largest exhibitors at the show, HMY’s presence has done nothing but grow throughout the years. In case you missed it, here are some of the highlights of the 2018 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.
An OKEAN World Premier
From renderings to reality, the all-new OKEAN 55’ Sport came to life on the docks at FLIBS. The ultimate day boat for entertaining, the OKEAN 55’ Sport features OKEAN’s signature “Open Up Your World” design with hydraulic side hull combings that transform into “balconies” to expand the living space an additional 6’ 1.” As the innovative new yacht made waves on the docks, the industry’s media took notice. Featured on Power & Motoryacht’s website during the show, the OKEAN 55’ was also a 2018 Best-in-Show nominee at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.
The media were not the only ones buzzing about the OKEAN 55’ Sport. Show guests loved her as well. “We had an overwhelming positive response from the public and were showing the OKEAN 50’ and 55’ Sport non-stop during the show,” stated HMY’s OKEAN Brand Manager Arthur Grin.
The Newest Princess Yachts Additions
Named Princess Yachts’ #1 North American dealer in 2018, HMY’s strong presence at the Princess Yachts display allowed HMY to expand its customer base and welcome new clients to the HMY family. This year’s Princess Yachts display showcased several new models to the Princess Yachts lineup including the S78 and the R35, both making their North American Premieres at FLIBS.
The all-new S78 was undoubtedly one of the main attractions at the Princess Yachts display with HMY Yacht Sales Professional John Parry observing, “Many clients commented on the open feeling of the S78 and were surprised that a boat with so many luxury features would have a top speed of 37-39 knots.” With a total of 10 Princess Yachts models on display, “The reaction to the new models was exceptional and clients were impressed with quality of the fit and finish, as well as Princess Yachts’ new design features,” Parry concluded.
From Motor Yachts to Sportfish— FLIBS Viking Debuts
As one of America’s top Viking dealers for 26 years, HMY welcomed both new and existing clients to the Viking display at FLIBS. From sportfish to motor yachts, HMY’s Viking product specialists were able to assist their clients with finding just the right vessel to suit their needs. With several new models debuting at FLIBS including the Viking 93 Motor Yacht and Viking 92 Sky Bridge, one of the showstoppers this year was the all-new Viking 58 Convertible. This newly released model saw non-stop boarding during each day of FLIBS.
“With the newest model introduced, the 58 Viking is once again proof that Viking strives to build a better boat each time. With slight changes to the bottom of the boat, the new 58 Viking provides more comfort and an even drier ride. The systems throughout the boat have been even more simplified to make the 58 an easier boat to maintain while traveling the world,” stated HMY Yacht Sales Professional Brian Komer.
HMY’s Display
With a large inventory of new and pre-owned yachts on display throughout the show, HMY welcomed clients to their display non-stop during the 2018 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. In addition to displaying new Viking Yachts, Princess Yachts, and OKEAN Yachts, HMY’s brokerage inventory of over 40 vessels included everything from cruising yachts, such as the 2014 Riva 52’ in the video above, to walkarounds, and more. With such a prominent display, and slip-after-slip of HMY’s teal flags lining the docks, it was almost impossible to spend a day at FLIBS without walking through the HMY display.
When asked about HMY’s brokerage display, HMY Yacht Sales Professional Luke Davis commented, “HMY never disappoints, and this year at the show, we had a diverse selection of quality pre-owned inventory in our display. We drew very large crowds and welcomed some new clients to the HMY family.”
HMY Charter Vacations
HMY Charter Vacations shined at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. With the ever-popular 2011/2016 Azimut 116’“Tail Lights,” on display within the show, and two other vessels on display close by, HMY Charter Vacations made quite a splash during FLIBS, receiving a high level of charter inquiries. With several bookings confirmed during the show, Bob Saxon, Vice President of HMY’s Yacht Management, Crew Placement, and Charter Division said, “There certainly was a heightened charter focus apparent and obvious during the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show as customers contemplated the potential for a great water-borne vacation experience.”
If you were not able to attend this year’s Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, or want to see more of HMY’s inventory, contact us at one of our 12 locations from Charleston, NC to Ocean Reef, FL, or see us at the next boat show—Miami Yacht Show—on February 14-18, 2019 at its new location in Biscayne Bay, FL.
